Our Guiding Principles

Principles forBuilding a Business

Tom Gores founded Platinum Equity based on a concise set of guiding principles, designed to convey his broader vision for what Platinum would become. To this day, these 16 principles are the fundamental guide posts of the company's decision making process and actions.

People Not Plans

The best plan is worthless without a strong team to execute it. With a team comprised of outstanding people, you can meet almost any challenge.

Judgment Over Data

Consider facts but let solid judgment prevail. It is always good to question the data and challenge the experts.

Act With Resolve

While tough decisions can be hard to deliver, the welfare of the group requires them.

Open Lines of Communication

To succeed, a leader must be accessible to open, consultative lines of communication with his team. The day the team stops coming forward with issues is the day you stop being a leader.

Never be Limited by Perceptions

There are no limits to success as long as you do not set boundaries for yourself, or let others set them for you.

Every Situation is New

Make no assumptions. Every deal is unique. Treat it that way.

In or Out

Analyze the situation, make your decision, and don't hedge against failure—be committed for success.

Passion

What seems impossible can be achieved when you have passion for your work.

Take Risks

To grow, your must extend your abilities. If you make a mistake be engaged enough to correct it but don't be arrogant—adjust your course and move forward.

Have Good People

Instill faith in your team, and their faith in you will bring reward for all.

Growth Determines Structure

Think Different

Look for the unexpected solutions; think outside of the normal systems and you will set your path outside of the expected

Let Strategies Evolve

The best strategies are those that evolve from good and thorough execution—along the way let the process of learning and development shape the implementation.

Empowerment and Accountability

The two endowments cannot stand separate—they only work hand-in-hand.

Be Committed to Succeed

Commitment, risk, success, and failure are intertwined—lack of commitment only increases your risk for failure, and equally the ability to commit wholeheartedly has much to do with the ability to succeed.

Be Flexible

Be open to almost all situations, but be stubborn on your values and principles.